Surgeons at GEM Hospital, Chennai, are pioneering the use of Apple's Vision Pro mixed reality headset in laparoscopic surgeries. This innovative technology is transforming minimally invasive procedures for patients undergoing gallbladder surgery, hernia repair, fistula correction, and even stomach cancer treatment.
Dr. R Parthasarathy, a surgical gastroenterologist and COO at GEM Hospitals, emphasizes the significant benefits of the Apple Vision Pro. He highlights the headset's ability to provide surgeons with:
Real-time, lag-free video transmission: This ensures surgeons have a clear and uninterrupted view of the surgical field.
Enhanced visualization and real-world connectivity: Surgeons can view both laparoscopic camera footage and CT scans simultaneously, providing a comprehensive perspective.
Magnified views: The headset allows for detailed examination of internal organs, with the ability to enlarge the view for optimal precision.
Beyond the visual benefits, Dr. Parthasarathy praises the ergonomic advantages of the Apple Vision Pro. He notes that surgeons can:
Seamlessly consult with specialists during surgery via FaceTime: This facilitates real-time expert advice and collaboration.
Utilize the headset for remote medical education: The technology allows surgeons to share their expertise and train others.
Maintain a comfortable posture: The headset eliminates the need to constantly turn towards a monitor, reducing neck strain during long procedures.
The Apple Vision Pro offers a significant improvement over traditional surgical monitor setups. Dr. Parthasarathy points out the limitations of prior methods, where surgeons could only view one source of information (e.g., CT scan) at a time. This new headset allows for simultaneous access to various data streams, enhancing efficiency and decision-making.
Beyond India, the Apple Vision Pro is making waves in the medical field. A recent case in the UK saw surgeons use the headset, combined with an app from eXeX, to perform a successful spinal surgery. This combination facilitated real-time data streaming, improved surgical planning, and aided in instrument selection. Such advancements have the potential to revolutionize the field of spine surgery by minimizing errors and boosting surgeon confidence.
Launched in February, the Apple Vision Pro is considered one of the most powerful VR headsets available. Its ability to seamlessly blend the real and digital worlds makes it a valuable tool for various industries. While not yet officially available in India, the Apple Vision Pro, priced at $3,499 (approximately Rs. 3,00,000), is already attracting considerable interest from companies and professionals across healthcare, education, and engineering, eager to explore its transformative potential.